Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Today I am thinking and wishing about an upcoming competition. My work team decided to have a rice crispy treat bake-off next Friday. Why? Better question: why not?

The objective: make creative, tasty treats, worthy of winning the ultimate prize

The opponent: the other members of the metrics team

The judges: the content team from across the office

The ultimate prize: bragging rights and pride

Hey, that's all I need for my competitive edge to kick in. I have an idea of what I want to do, and thought that I would poll you, my lovely readers, for your opinion.

I am thinking of making the classic crispy treat, roll them into balls while they are still warm and gooey, stick them on a stick, dip them in chocolate, and sprinkle crumbled graham crackers on top of them. A Sticky Rice Crispy! The title is both literal and figurative and I like it. Style points.

Are there other ways I could up the ante? Do you have other mallow combos you'd like to share? Where does one find cake ball sticks?

In other words, I'm wishing to WIN. What are you wishing for this Wednesday??

Aside from my dress and demeanor I wasn't too classy yesterday. I was awesome, though: I went to Best Buy after work and got Andrew Madden '12. A mistake? Maybe. An excuse to read more while he plays his game? Absolutely.

Side note: I looked up at one point last night and the video game looked like I was watching a live football game. So cool.

Monday, August 29, 2011

After being sick at the end of last week, I am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for Labor Day Weekend on Lake Michigan! My only obstacle is this week haha - must get through it first. A couple of things are keeping me going, though:

1) The sound of jackhammers Friday night were music to my ears, even though I had a headache and was sick. Why? Well, it meant that Saturday morning I actually showered. Yes, a real, pitcher-free shower. Hot water too! The City of Chicago Water Department completely re-routed the street, dug two giant holes, and fixed the pipes leading into the building! Andrew and I were beyond happy that our incessant complaining paid off. Below is a terrible picture of the process. They were on our street until after midnight, but it was worth it to be able to shower and finally wash our dishes!

2) I just read on one my favorite blogs My Two Cents (...before I spend it!) about Essie's new Fall line. I want every color, but I think Power Clutch, Carry On, and Very Structured are particularly saying my name. I guess this isn't something that's getting me through the week, but it makes me excited nonetheless.

3) Andrew and I have made anniversary plans and I'm so excited for our presents to each other: a silly $10-limit surprise gift; a long weekend to DC and Pittsburgh to visit friends, family, and see a Steelers game; and purchasing and framing pictures from this incredible Etsy store: there is a deal for five cities, and wouldn't you know it? Between us we've lived in five! Check out Bird Ave's store - it's so awesome!!

4) Last night Lizzie and I had a fun video chat. I love how she responds to what I'm doing. Here are a few screen shots. Sorry if you already saw these via email or Facebook. I'm just a proud aunt. I printed one of them to have at my desk, so all I have to do is turn my head to the right, see the picture, and smile. She's so cute!